Is Kershaw, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.4/100
waterverge.com Kershaw, SC — Water Quality Report
Kershaw's drinking water received a grade of A (92.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,567 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 17 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Kershaw's water
Kershaw ranks #19 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Kershaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kershaw, SC water safe to drink?
Kershaw's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,567 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kershaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kershaw's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3597). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kershaw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kershaw's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Buffalo Creek, Little Lynches River Above Kershaw, Little Lynches River, Hanging Rock Creek Nr Kershaw.
Where does Kershaw's water come from?
Kershaw's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,567 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo Creek (river), Little Lynches River Above Kershaw (river), Little Lynches River (river), Hanging Rock Creek Nr Kershaw (river).
What Kershaw residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Kershaw's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kershaw
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kershaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,351 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OCEANAGOLD HAILE GOLD MINE KERSHAW, SC29067 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 8,351 | 4.6 mi |
250 - KERSHAW OILSEEDS KERSHAW, SC29067 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
MEYER UTILITY STRUCTURES LLC PLT NO 1665 LANCASTER, SC29720 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLancaster County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kershaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Kershaw ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kershaw's water comes from
Kershaw's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,567 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kershaw
Kershaw is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kershaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KERSHAW TOWN OF (SC2910003) | SC2910003 | 2,567 | SWP |
How Kershaw compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Kershaw's score of 92.4/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Kershaw, SC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kershaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Kershaw, SC tap water safe to drink?
Kershaw's water quality earned a grade of A (92.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Kershaw's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Kershaw's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Kershaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kershaw's water come from?
Kershaw's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,567 residents.
What health violations has Kershaw's water system had?
Kershaw has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Kershaw's water compare to other cities?
Kershaw ranks #19 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 90% of state cities) and #1252 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kershaw's small water system affect quality?
Kershaw's system serves approximately 2,567 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 17 violations on record.